Afrobeats star Davido has appealed to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to refrain from interfering in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, urging him instead to support a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.
Gatekeepers News reports that Uzodimma is the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the election.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press conference in Osogbo, Davido, whose full name is David Adeleke, expressed concern over reports suggesting possible attempts to influence the outcome of the poll or use Osun as a political battleground.
The singer, who is backing the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke, said although he could not verify the claims, he considered it necessary to appeal to the Imo governor to use his influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to decide their next leader at the ballot box.
“To our daddy from Imo State. I have heard rumours suggesting that there are plans to interfere in the Osun State election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point,” he said.
“I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun to choose their candidate freely.”
Davido said his appeal was made in good faith, noting that his wife, Chioma Adeleke, is from Imo State, giving him a personal connection to the governor’s state.
“We have a mutual connection with Imo State. My wife Chioma is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere… allow democracy to take its place and let the people decide,” he said.
“Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the life of Osun people at risk.”
The singer, who serves as the head of the Imole Youth Campaign Mobilisation Team and is Governor Adeleke’s nephew, encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the election and exercise their civic rights without fear.
He stressed that every vote should count and that the will of the electorate must be respected.
Davido said the campaign considered it important to reassure young people and encourage them to participate peacefully in the electoral process, expressing confidence that Adeleke would secure a second term in office.
He also urged political supporters to reject violence, intimidation, provocation and the destruction of lives and property throughout the election period.
Governor Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
Davido has remained actively involved in his uncle’s campaign. In June, he vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate the election, while more recently he accused former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola of political desperation and plotting to foment unrest in the state.
